>> there are lots and lots of brands. this is just one brand. these are manufactured in japan? >> these are manufactured all over the world. they have two factories in georgia and then factories all around the world. >> what are the differences between these different kind of toilets? >> we have the 1.28, which is what all the manufacturers are doing now to conserve water. this is a siphon flush with a larger water surface area, much more conventional american type of toilet. it has been used around the world for many years as a water- conserving light of flushing. it has a small water surface area and is a wash down type of toilet. some americans are not happy that they might have to clean the sides of the ball more. then, we have the high end totally automated toilet as you were already noticing. when you walk up to it, it will sense that you are there and it will open up.

it has another green feature, which washes you. it saves you on toilet paper. a roll of toilet paper can take as much as 28 gallons to be manufactured, so if you conserve on toilet paper by using water to wash yourself, you are saving the waste material of the toilet paper. >> does that count toward the flesh? >> it does not. >> how much water does it take? >> it takes just a few ounces. tens of how long the user leaves it on. it has a remote control that allows you to be able to control the spray features. it has a rear-cleaning, cleaning, stopped cleaning. it has a heated sea. it has a blow dryer. it has a deodorizer. and you can't flush the toilet with a push of the remote. >> ice cube maker, everything. look at that thing. and this is a little more

conventional. >> these are the more conventional u.s. type of toilets where you can actually see the trap passageway on the side. >> tell us what goes in where and how does it come out. >> the bull has the water right here, and when it flushes, it fills up around this curve here, and it basically creates a siphon. >> so here we have passage through to the bottom. i do not know if people have ever seen the bottom of one of these. there is. we have a couple of holes here that are for mounting. usually, there is a flange on the floor. we do not have that here. then, we use a wax seal, something like this. >> is has a little cover on the wax, but it has a throat that sits down in the pipe, and this wax seals it's down there to make the seal on the floor. >> right. you do not want to take this off and stick it on because it is

unbelievably lucky. so these things are very inexpensive. by the way, wax seals are really cheap. a but. and this is waterproof, so if you ever need contemporary waterproofing, this is great stuff. taken off, put this on the floor, and set the toilet on top. by the way, i don't believe it takes a plumbing permit to replace the toilet fixtures. as long as you are not making a change in the plumbing. and of course, every time you do it, you should replace the blacks. terrific. all right. let's sit this guy back up. the stock closed seat. >> will await the seepage of the sleeping people in the night. -- will not wake the sleeping people in the night. this one has a toilet seat

mounted on it that has the washer with feature >> this is just a seat that is mounted on a toilet. >> you could retrofit an existing toilet with all of these features if you want. you just need to have an outlet in the room. you can see on this one that we cannot see the drop passageway. it has a skirted side to it, which is very popular with the consumer because it is easier to clean. it is an area that is not prone to picking up all that dust and things like that, a little cover for where the bull is going. in order to mount that, instead of using just the wax seal, we're going to put this down first. we are going to use the wax seal -- there is the sticky wax. we are going to put that wax seal on the bottom of this, mount this down on the floor flanged and mount the toilet on to this. >> good.

does not look like it takes a great deal of expertise to do it, but you have to have the right parts and equipment. terrific. i want to ask andre. tell us, from a design point of view, what is that people are looking for these days in toilets. >> when we look at toilets, first of all, are we doing a traditional or contemporary design? obviously, we picked a traditional design. traditional design for traditional patterns. contemporary toilet for contemporary bathroom. we look about the lines of the toilet and how easy they are to clean. some of these are very sleek and come down to the floor. that is good. they are very even and clean and very easy to clean. we also think about americans with disabilities act, about handicapped toilets. those tend to have the seats and a little bit higher, so they are

easier to get in and out. >> i would like to continue that discussion when we talk about aging in place. as people get older in their homes, we need to accommodate the special needs. good. and some of these are -- i guess these are all one piece. we used to see separate tanks. >> that is the new trend. traditionally, it would be a separate tank and a separate seat, and now, there are melding together. i like that look a lot. it is a very clean line. again, less things to clean. a low profile. very elegant looking. >> you have people in your showroom, and they look around and look at toilets, what do you see that they are looking for? what do they buy? >> number one, they want a toilet they can flush. that is definitely important. but then, water savings. i guess lastly would be the esthetics of it. the ada, or comfort height, as

they call it -- >> let me interrupt you. hey, how're you doing? are you shopping for a toilet? walk right over here. are you in a shopping for a toilet? if you were, were your shopping for a toilet, what would you look for? >> i don't know. some banks eco-friendly. -- something eco-friendly. >> do you have a lot of people say that? >> yes. water savings, and most have rebates, so you are saving on costs. that is important today. >> let's talk for a minute about aging in place because it is such an important issue. we have a seat height to be concerned about, but a lot of other things. for example, people worry about getting into bathtubs because they are slippery. how do you deal with that? >> it all depends.

the most important thing you can do is have a grab bar for the tub and shower. we think about the toilet heights. we think about having barrier- free back from -- bathrooms. if you are in a wheelchair, a shower curtain would be a barrier. thinking about the door to the bathroom. you want to have a nice, white door. 3 feet would be very nice. even a little bit larger bathrooms are you could maneuver in it would be helpful. >> let's look at some six. we got an e-mail from some of who watches us online who had a question about whether or not there are any downside to getting one of these vessels sinks, one of the six that sits on top of the counter. >> that is one of the reasons i like j.c. plumbing. they have a great selection, and i can make my point.

let's compare these two six. this is a bowl shape, and this is a ceramic that comes straight down. the disadvantage of this -- and it is very beautiful and makes quite a statement -- and i alluded to this before. it is about cleaning this, and coming year. getting down here, that is difficult to do, so that is going to be more difficult to clean. this is a good one. again, clean lines that come straight down. there is no difficulty cleaning that. >> would someone call that -- caulk that? >> absolutely. make it watertight. >> are there any other disadvantages? these all have an external mounts. >> it is a little more complicated, so you have to have a tall faucet to come down. wall-mounted faucets. but again, these are very popular. i'm always wondering how popular they are going to be in five or

six years. think about that. >> i have heard that there are already shift in style happening, but those happen all the time. what is the real traditional kind of laboratory? >> some good examples are behind us here. this is a vanity. it has the countertop and the basin. it has the areas for storage. this is something that people would like. another popular trend -- i do not know if the camera can catch it, but below here, so people would roll up their towels. >> this also allows you to have one more step toward aging in place and accessibility. if you ever need to roll a wheelchair in, you have an opportunity here. >> absolutely. >> this does not have an overflow. is that required? >> overflows are not technically required. >> what i mean is one of the little holes like this where the city will run out so it will not

spill out onto the floor. >> they are practical and important to have, but they are not a code requirement. if you have children or something, you might want to have an overflow. if you are comfortable having one without, then you would have that choice. >> i was particularly intrigued by this sink. i know the manufacturers were up this year. this is made out of some extremely heavy duty class. here is bob, who is the rep from oceana who manufactures this thing. this is not the type of sync that would set on top. it recesses. what is this made of? >> it is actually made of glass. it is a company in pittsburgh, and it is an extremely durable class. they actually do the globe in chicago for a recovery like standards. >> and outdoor material in chicago has to withstand the

heat of chicago and the cold -- the heat of summer and cold >> of winter > exactly. this piece comes in about 12 different colors. it has a backing to it, to. you cannot see through it, but it gets a lot of light back through it, so you could actually back like it if you want. >> we really like all these different styles. some of these that sit on top have advantages as well as disadvantages -- cleaning -- but they are stylish. but this has real advantage. when you lay it down, flesh, dram, and it has the faucet holes in here. it has the race area here so water will not run back off of it. >> let's go take a look at shower fittings and fixtures and the shower systems year. they are fascinating and very, very modern looking. all sorts of great stuff. do people like these in their homes? >> yes, i think this is a great

example of how people do not want their parents shower anymore. this is the new generation of shower systems, and they have and what occurred, -- accouterments. they just give a wide volume of water distribution. >> is that a problem with water flow? >> these technically meet those standards. the shower head distributes it, so it just kind of gives an appearance of more volume. these are body sprays that will take your body. this is a hand-held, and this is a good example where you could put a bar here. you could leave it in place as the traditional shower, or you could take it, and you could do it, and this is also great for cleaning and washing your dog and things like that. >> right, so you cannot get your hair wet while your taking a shower. i suppose this has the same kind of back float servants and --

backflow prevention built in. >> right, and it shows the variety of finishes here. the chrome. this looks like brushed stainless steel. what you do not see is brass, and press has really become -- is in favor these days. kroll is probably the most popular. it is similar to in kitchen appliances, stainless steel. is good. it goes with all color schemes. >> there was a recent change to san francisco's codes that said you could not have more than one sitting turned on at any more than one time. so you cannot have multiple salaries and more for water savings. >> right. a lot of people like showers for two, and now, you are saying one valve for one shower. >> i think you could probably sit flow rates could be adjusted, and you could probably

make it happen, but it is beginning to be very tightly regulated. tell us, when people come in to buy, what is it that they like? what are they actually buying? >> a lot of it has to do with style. first is for the lab faucet's. you have the widespread, the two handles, hot and cold. very modern design. >> people like modern. >> people like modern, but we are in san francisco, so we get a wide range. then the one hand, very popular, ada-approved. saves water. very easy to use >> > one of the standards for commercial, not residential, is that you have to be able to operate equipment with a single operation without tight grasping or pinching. so this actually allows that to happen. you can operate without having

to grab and pitch and twist something. this is very user-friendly. it is also reduced flow, and you do not have to have two faucet's running. >> only have to cut one hole in your credit. . granite. this is really traditional, very popular fish. >> nice. and this is, -- chrome, and brushed nicke. >> as far south as there, and showers are popular right now. rain heads are popular, but you want something that is functional for what you use, so hand showers are great. >> is this one of the ones that has a sheet of water? >> it does. waterfalls of this type come down to a point when you turn

them on. this particular one, because we have reworked the inside of it in a fairly complex plumbing system in there, it will actually come out as a sheet of water like a true waterfall. >> but it still meets the flow requirements? >> it does. many of the process we are shipping today will be these standard at 1.5. >> i think 1.5 is the california appliance efficiency standard. >> that's right. that is what we are shipping out. >> terrific. what do you call this kind of head? >> there are just the regular overhead tight showerheads. they can be mounted, or they could come out at different lengths. >> so you could screw this on to enormous shower? >> as long as they can rotate. some of them are fixed flat. >> that is terrific.

thank you for joining us today for "building san francisco" and we hope to see you on the third wednesday of every month. sometimes we do leches with guests in our studio. please join us, and you can get more information that sfgov.org. it is a wonderful day, and i'm going to go get a burrito. >> hello, i am with the san francisco parks department serious we are featuring some wonderful locations in your and very own backyard. this is your chance to find your heart in san francisco with

someone special. we are here at the lovely and historic palace of fine arts, located in the bustling marina district. originally built for the 1950's exposition, the palace is situated along san francisco's waterfront. it is ada accessible and is reached by the 28, 30, and 91 bus lines. with its rotunda, columns, uncut the reflecting waters against the eucalyptus trees, it is one of the most romantic settings for special dates, and memorable proposals. it is also a perfect spot where you can relax with that special someone while listening to the water and fountain in the

lagoon. beautiful to view from many locations, and inside is an ideal place to walk around with your loved ones. the palace is the most popular wedding location in the city park system. reservations for weddings and other events are available at strecpark.org. shakespeares' guard and refers -- has plants referred to in shakespeare's plays and poems. located near the museum and the california academy of sciences, shakespeares garden was designed in 1928 by the california spring blossom association. flowers and plants played an important part in shakespeares literary masterpieces. here is an enchanting and

tranquil garden tucked away along a path behind a charming gate. this garden is the spot to woo your date. appreciate the beauty of its unique setting. the cherry tree, the brick walkways, the enchanting stones, the rustic sundial. chaired the bards'w ro -- share the bard's words. the garden is a gem to share with someone special. pack a picnic, find a bench, enjoy the sunshine and let the whimsical words of william shakespeare float you and your loved one away. this is one of the most popular wedding locations and is available for reservations.

shakespeares garden is 8ada accessible. this park is located at the bottom of a hill. it is a secret garden with an infinite and captivating appeal. carefully tucked away, one block from the bottom of lombard street, it makes the top of our list for the most intimate picnic settings. avoid all tourist cars and parking hassles by hopping on the cable car. or the 30, 45, 41, or 91 bus. this garden was designed by a the landscape architect thomas church in 19 to -- 1957. grow old with me, the best is yet to be is inscribed at this gem of a park.

a lush oasis anchored by gazebosanchoreddekcs, -- gazebos, anchored by decks. this is the place to tell your family the love you share. reservations are available for this hidden gem. i am jamie hopper. until next time, don't forget to get out and play. for more information about reserving one of these romantic locations, or any other location, call 831-5500. this number is best for special events, weddings, picnics, and the county fair building. for any athletic fields and neighborhood parks, 831-5510. you can also write us. 501 san francisco, calif. 94117.

or just walk in and say hello. and of course you can find more information and reach us at sfrecpark.org. >> hello. welcome to "culturewire." we are here today with bay area artist jody chanel, and we are here to see the plaza where your piece has just been installed. >> i have been doing large-scale paintings in the galleries and museums, and the idea that in the future, i could do something that would hang out a little bit longer than the duration of the

installation the kind of appeal to me. i quickly found out about the san francisco arts commission school and realized there was a pre-qualified school you had to apply to, so i applied to the. >> how long did it take you to develop this work for the plaza? >> this was a fast track project. design development was about a month. >> let's look at the beautiful mural. i have never seen a mural created on asphalt. >> the heat of the asphalt, a new layer of asphalt. then, these wire rope templates that were fabricated for the line work get laid down and literally stamped into the asphalt, and then everything was hand-painted.

>> maybe you could talk about some of the symbolism, maybe starting in the middle and working out. >> [inaudible] the flower of industry. >> it is like a compass. there's an arrow pointing north. >> within the great bear consolation, there are two pointed stars here. they typically lead one to the northstar, otherwise known as polaris. so i thought it has a layer of theme. >> let's talk about some of the other elements in the peace. we are walking along, and there is a weather vane. there's a sweet little bird hanging on the side. what kind of bird is that? >> [inaudible] the smallest of the gulf species, and it lives around the bay area. >> you want to talk about the types of flour patterns that you send?

>> [inaudible] around 1926 or so by the dahlia society. >> what is this bird here? >> that is the california quail. >> coming up here, we had a little blustery theme. what is this area here? >> this is supposed to be the side view, the expense of the golden gate bridge. >> there it is. >> there are really beautiful elements of architecture still around, i would say that it gives that feeling over to the work. >> what are your hopes for it? >> that in a way it just becomes part of the area. i think it is starting to have that feeling. people utilize it.

they sit and, and have their lunch and play on -- they sit and, and have their lunch and play on that -- they sit and come and have their lunch and play on it. just for it to be part of the neighborhood. that is my hope. >> is such a beautiful addition to our public art in san francisco. thank you for joining us. it was nice to meet you. and thank you for telling us about your beautiful mural. thanks for watching "culturewire."